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海角社区 celebrated the class of 2026 at a vibrant commencement ceremony at U.S. Bank Stadium on Thursday, May 7.

This year鈥檚 dynamic and diverse group of 544 undergraduate and 228 graduate students represents 24 countries, 16 states, and eight tribal nations at the undergraduate level, and 15 countries, 13 states, and three tribal nations among graduate students. Top undergraduate majors include biology, psychology, finance, and computer science, alongside strong representation in nursing, business, and the social sciences. Graduate students span a wide array of advanced programs, with the largest cohorts in social work, business administration, and physician assistant studies.

President Paul Pribbenow welcomed the graduates to the Minneapolis event, acknowledging the difficulties faced by the community during the past year. And although commencement tends to mark the academic accomplishments of the outgoing class, he said that courage, resilience, and care are also cause for celebration.

鈥淚n a time of stress and grief, you showed up for each other and had each other’s backs,鈥� Pribbenow said. 鈥淚n a time of uncertainty and disruption, you pushed forward, even when it may have seemed impossible to finish your education. I am always proud of Augsburg, but I am especially proud of you.鈥�

Pribbenow then presented awards to members of the class of 2026.

Lee鈥橰ayVone G鈥檈verdloaahn 鈥�26 was named this year鈥檚 recipient of the Marina Christensen Justice Award, which honors a student exemplifying Augsburg鈥檚 motto, 鈥淓ducation for Service.鈥� An Act Six Scholar and Newman Civic Fellow, G鈥檈verdloaahn graduated with a double major in psychology and critical race and ethnicity studies, and a minor in entrepreneurial studies. He also served the Augsburg community as founder and president of the poetry and meaningful writing club, a community advisor, and a Bonner community leader.

The Richard J. Thoni Award was presented to Savannah Mitchell 鈥�26 MAE, embodying a commitment to community, hospitality, and innovation through her work advancing the Augsburg Family Scholars program. Her unwavering dedication to foster youth inspired her nomination by Professor Tim Pippert, executive director of Augsburg Family Scholars.

鈥淥ur students find Savannah relatable and value her insights,鈥� Pippert said in his nomination. 鈥淪avannah has been a touchstone whose presence has strengthened the Augsburg Family Scholars community. We know her impact will endure as she continues advocating for foster youth in the future.鈥�

Seng Xiong 鈥�17, 鈥�26 MSW then delivered the commencement address. A deeply introspective reflection, they shared personal challenges of going back to college for an advanced degree鈥攖he first in their family to do so鈥攁nd the importance of maintaining hope and resilience amidst doubts.

鈥淎ll of us leaving this stage today have the opportunity to use the gifts, resources, and knowledge we have been given to continue finding our way in this peculiar era, while also contributing to a future that lets those to come know they have a meaningful place in the world, too,鈥� Xiong said.

Among the list of their supporters were family, colleagues, educators, and staff.

鈥淚 am so humbled to have been given bountiful demonstrations of what it means to be committed to the care and liberation of learners鈥攅very and anywhere.鈥�

More ways to celebrate the class of 2026:

• View graduate honors information.

Top image: One of Augsburg’s newest graduates waves to familiar faces in the commencement crowd. (Photo by Courtney Perry)